Kolkata commuters can look forward to enhanced services on the East-West Metro’s Esplanade-Howrah Maidan corridor starting next month. The completion of the west-bound tunnel between Sealdah and Esplanade has opened up opportunities for streamlined maintenance of the BEML rakes. Four rakes, operational since November 11, are now set to be transported to the Salt Lake depot through this newly linked tunnel for overdue maintenance.
Since its March launch, the 4.8 km stretch has faced operational challenges. Previously, rakes were transported through the east-bound tunnel, which is undergoing retrofitting with steel liners, rendering it unfit for transportation. Consequently, the rakes have not received routine weekly upkeep for over a month, causing disruptions and a reduction in service frequency. Metro Railway officials have curtailed daily services from 150 to 114 on the Esplanade-Howrah Maidan section and limited west-bound tunnel operations to restricted hours—two in the morning and three in the evening.
The authorities have set January 4 or 11 as potential dates to transfer rakes via the newly completed west-bound tunnel for maintenance. Fresh inspections are underway to ensure safety before transportation. The BEML rakes, which require weekly upkeep, had been managed through constrained facilities on the Howrah end. Once maintenance resumes at the Central Park depot, the frequency and schedule of services between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade are expected to improve significantly.
From a sustainability perspective, the improved infrastructure ensures efficient operations and reduced wear on the metro system. Reliable public transport is critical for reducing dependency on private vehicles, curbing emissions, and supporting eco-friendly urban mobility. These developments not only enhance commuter convenience but also underscore the need for investments in sustainable urban transit systems.
